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Christian artists and ministers are responding to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, an evangelical Christian and conservative activist who rallied young Americans to Donald Trump's cause.
Kirk was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on September 10, at 12:20 p.m.
CCM artist Phil Wickham shared on Instagram following the killing. "My heart is grieved and heavy. It’s difficult to process the horrific evil, hatred and violence that we have seen in our country today and in this past week. I pray God’s hand of comfort and peace and nearness over Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones. That in the brokenness of their hearts God would meet them as He has promised to do.
"Jesus, it all feels like too much. We mourn with those who mourn today. All I know to do is to lift my eyes to heaven and remember that we know the end of the story. Every tear will be wiped away. There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For God will make everything new. Thank you Jesus that there is always hope in You."
Tauren Wells shared his thoughts, saying he was still processing what had happened on the university campus. "I am stunned. There are so many ways I feel compelled to comment on the tragic events unfolding…as a Believer, a Husband, Father, Pastor…as an American. I’m personally still processing it all.
"The violence that has transpired over the last several weeks, days, and hours in our neighbourhoods, schools, communities, churches, and campuses, just that I happen to be aware of, is absolutely horrendous and gut-wrenching."
Wells went on to encourage Christians to pray. "Senseless acts of violence, motivated by demonic forces of hatred, should provoke something deep in the heart of all people to wake up to the godless ignorance that is rampant in the hearts and minds of people. Especially, the Church, should be provoked into taking our spiritual position of intercession to activate our prayers and all of heaven’s forces to wage war against our invisible enemies!"
Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show, started Wednesday's show differently than his normal monologue. He offered his condolences to Kirk's loved ones. "After our scripts for tonight’s show were finished this afternoon, we here at The Late Show learned that Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing activist, was killed at a speaking engagement in Utah. Our condolences go out to his family and all of his loved ones."
Colbert, a vocal Trump critic, shared that he remembers political violence in the U.S.A. from the 1960s. "Political violence only leads to more political violence. I pray with all my heart that this is the abhorrent action of a madman and not a sign of things to come."
Author and Christian activist Shane Claiborne, who has been a critic of Kirk's in the past, shared a statement on social media, writing, "My heart goes out to Charlie Kirk's family and all who loved him...especially his wife, Erika, and their two precious children.
"We must never rejoice in death. My faith teaches me not just to refuse to kill, but also to refuse to hate. And so this is a sombre moment. Charlie Kirk was someone's child, someone's husband, someone's dad... and he is a child of God, made in the image of God."
As of Thursday morning, the FBI says that a manhunt for the suspect is ongoing. It is believed the suspect is male and college-aged.
The investigation continues.